During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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